distressed 1 of 2

Definition of distressednext

distressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distress

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distressed
Adjective
High-performing clinics with stable clinical leadership and predictable economics often integrate faster than distressed acquisitions, even when the latter appear cheaper at signing. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Tanmaxxing Brings Numerous Risks Damage to the skin from UV light exposure is not like damage to your distressed jeans. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
Her complexion ashen, the 40-year-old Mann appeared drained and distressed on her fifth consecutive day on the stand and second day of being cross-examined by Teny Geragos. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026 Companies in this cohort are less likely to be distressed compared to their peers in the first quintile – that is, firms offering the highest dividend yield. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distressed
Adjective
  • That has sent maritime insurance rates through the roof and given some financiers and shipping companies cold feet about tempting fate and navigating through the troubled waters.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • Martin created and stars in the Netflix series Wayward, the thriller-drama revolving around the inner workings and dark secrets of a fictional school for troubled teenagers.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Barry follows a depressed ex‑Marine hitman (Hader, in the title role) who turns to acting for salvation while tangling with the Chechen mob in Los Angeles.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026
  • Epstein seemed to feel increasingly depressed about the conditions of his incarceration.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Reflect Orbital’s plans also alarmed the Royal Astronomical Society, which said each beam could be four times brighter than the full moon, with the overall system potentially making the night sky three to four times brighter.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • The Lebanese government was alarmed by Israeli troops crossing its Litani River last month.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Dickinson appeared somewhere between perturbed and seething.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic disease that causes scarring in the lungs and leads to a reduced oxygen uptake.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • The plan depends on drug companies sending Canada extra at reduced prices, rather than at the prices charged in the US.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Small black ants are generally harmless, but a colony of leafcutter ants can annihilate food crops, and aggressive fire ants build huge mounds and deliver a painful sting when disturbed.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 10 June 2026
  • In many cases, birds and their nests are protected by wildlife laws, meaning active nests should not be disturbed.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to witnesses interviewed by local police, Hall became agitated after taking a significant quantity of drugs.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
  • That was intentional, as a smiling Caballero admitted to enjoying the moment after the warning left him perplexed and agitated.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • His choices allow the viewer to drink in the intimate details of the ruined world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distressed. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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